On Thursday, the European Commission decided to send a reasoned opinion to Romania (INFR(2020)2355) for failing to correctly apply the Landfill Directive (Directive 1999/31/EC) and the Waste Framework Directive (Directive 2008/98/EC on waste as amended by Directive(EU)2018/851).

The Landfill Directive sets standards for landfills to prevent adverse effects on human health, water, soil and air. Under this directive, member states must take measures to ensure that only waste that has been subject to treatment is landfilled.

The European Commission sent a letter of formal notice to Romania in November 2021 regarding shortcomings in five landfills, but also regarding Romania’s failure to establish an integrated and adequate network of waste management installations, considering the best available techniques.

„Having assessed the reply submitted by the Romanian authorities, and based on the recent data, the Commission has concluded that three landfills are still non-compliant, including a landfill located in Bucharest. It has also concluded that the capacity of installations for treatment of waste before landfilling in Romania is insufficient for mixed municipal waste and biowaste.”

Therefore, the European Commission decided to send a reasoned opinion to Romania, which now has two months to respond and take the necessary measures. Otherwise, the Commission may decide to refer the case to the Court of Justice of the European Union.

AGERPRES